SwitchUp's fourth annual rankings cover the 50 best coding bootcamps worldwide. We amassed thousands of alumni reviews and data points this past year to bring you our most comprehensive list to date. This list highlights price range, location, job outcomes, and several other criteria to help you find the perfect school.
SwitchUp has been a trusted bootcamp resource since 2014, and we know that alumni reviews are crucial to a student's decision. That's why ours is the only rankings list based primarily on review scores from verified alumni. Please see our ranking methodology to learn more about the creation of this list. To continue your research, see our top schools by location or check out our expert advice on making the most of your code bootcamp.
Best Bootcamp Highlights
Looking for a school with specific qualities? We've awarded merit badges to schools in several key areas:
Available Online
School offers fully online courses
Verified Outcomes
School publishes a third-party verified outcomes report
Flexible Classes
School offers part-time and evening classes
Job Guarantee
School guarantees job placement
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1. Le Wagon
$$$$
Le Wagon is an intensive, full-time international bootcamp geared toward entrepreneurs who want to gain coding skills. Participants complete 450 hours of coding in 9 weeks, which includes building their own web app. After completing the program, students join an international alumni network of 3,150+ for career support and community.
I joined batch #276 in Bordeaux, France, and I enjoyed every part of it. It was intense, but it was worth it: we had passionate teachers, and we were all eager to learn as much as possible. It's a very rich experience, that brought me what I was ... -
2. App Academy
$$$$
App Academy teaches participants everything they need to know about software engineering in just 12 weeks. Their full-time bootcamps have helped over 2,000 graduates find jobs at more than 850 companies. Their deferred tuition plan means participants pay for the program only after they’ve landed their first web development job.
This course was very tough, but in the end I'm very happy that I took it. It was such a rewarding experience and I have learned many valuable things throughout the course. All of the TAs I have met were super friendly and highly knowledgable in ... -
3. Ironhack
$$$$
Ironhack offers full-time and part-time courses in 9- or 24-week formats, respectively. Career services include portfolio and resume building, job interview preparation, networking, and hiring fairs. Ironhack has scholarships available for women and military vets who are interested in a tech career.
I won't lie learning web dev was a tough. There are many things to learn but that's also a new world that is open to you. I really like to feel I was learning one of the best tech stack MERN. Doing part time is quite challenging but it also give ... -
4. General Assembly
$$$$
General Assembly offers a range of full-time, part-time, and self-paced courses. They have a number of financial assistance options available including loans and scholarships. For many of the programs, students are given a career coach and the opportunity to attend various networking events.
Understand that this program is only 10 weeks. A lot is crammed into the curriculum, and a lot is left out of it as well. Understand that you need to put in 100% to get out 100%, inside and outside of the program. If you're not ready for that, ... -
5. Bloc
$$$$
Bloc was the first tech school to offer self-paced online bootcamps in web development and design. Students stay accountable through one-to-one mentorship as they work full- or part-time, finishing the course in an average of 4–8 months. Land a job within six months or get your money back.
I graduated last week. It took me just over 15 months to finish the program. I had an overall good experience with the program and feel it is a good value and useful for accelerating my new career path. Pros: Student success really listens well ... -
6. Thinkful
$$$$
Thinkful offers flexible online coding bootcamps with one-to-one-mentorship. Graduate in 5-6 months from their full-time engineering immersion bootcamp or their part-time full stack and data science programs. Whether you pay up front or choose deferred tuition, Thinkful offers a job guarantee.
I just finished Thinkful's Engineering Immersion full-time program. I went from minimal/no programming experience to building full-stack (frontend, backend, database) in less than 6 months. It was equal parts exciting, difficult, rewarding, and ... -
7. HackerYou
$$$$
HackerYou offers a full-time, 9-week bootcamp in web development as well as many part-time programs. Get immersed in the fun, collaborative learning environment, enjoying a 10:1 student-instructor ratio and 24/7 access to their 12,000 square foot space in downtown Toronto.
Fresh out of university with a physics degree, I went back to work at Home Depot for over two years. Without a Masters or a PhD, it would've been tough finding a job that interested me. I hated the thought of going back to school for years, ... -
8. Coding Dojo
$$$$
Coding Dojo has multiple in-person campuses located across the continental United States, as well as an online program that offers real-time instructor support. The full, 3-stack curriculum requires 14 weeks of on-site instruction, while the part-time, online program teaches students 2 stacks in a flexible, 20-week bootcamp.
As cliche as it sounds you really do get out what you put in with this bootcamp. Given that, if you really want to get the most out of it, you should go into this bootcamp with at least some coding experience. If you have never coded before it’s ... -
9. Flatiron School
$$$$
Flatiron School’s immersive, full-time bootcamps in software engineering and data science are designed for individuals looking to change careers. Their 15-week program includes comprehensive career services and a money-back guarantee if graduates don’t receive a job offer within six months.
I took the online full stack web development program and had a great experience. I was brand new to coding when I enrolled and the program and now I can say that I am a full stack web developer! In addition to a great curriculum, the people at ... -
10. The Tech Academy
$$$$
The Tech Academy’s Software Developer bootcamp prepares students to become junior developers and assists with job-seeking. Participants can study entirely online, attend classes in person, or do a mix of both. The program is self-paced and offers open-enrollment, so students can start whenever and work full- or part-time.
The biggest thing to note about The Tech Academy is that it mostly working on your own, take this as either a pro or con depending on your personality. The curriculum is easy to understand and if you ever need help instructor are available to ... -
11. Hack Reactor
$$$$
Hack Reactor teaches budding software engineers the computer science, app development and engineering skills they will need in its part- and full-time immersive programs. It also offers a live, online remote bootcamp for remote students around the world.
Hack React was a fantastic, but extremely challenging boot camp. 12 weeks may seem like a short time, but it felt like I was in a two year program at a traditional university. The speed, intensity and amount of knowledge learned in a short period ... -
12. Actualize
$$$$
Actualize’s part-time, 12-week coding bootcamp takes a pedagogical approach, meaning their instructors are both expert educators and developers. Choose between daytime or evening classes in Chicago or via live video. Actualize’s “Job Hacking” curriculum is woven into the bootcamp to help graduates find a job after they finish.
I first heard of Actualize through a random comment on a Chicago subreddit. I reached out to the user and asked about their experience. It sounded right up my alley so I sat in on a class. I was immediately drawn to Peter's teaching style. I also ... -
13. Codesmith
$$$$
Codesmith prepares students, also known as residents, for positions as mid to senior-level engineers. During their full-time, 12-week residency, students build projects, participate in monthly meetups and receive one-on-one resume guidance. Once accepted into the program, residents may qualify for scholarships to fund their tuition.
I would highly recommend Codesmith to all aspiring SWEs. I started off teaching myself js, css, and html earlier this year and I decided to attend Codesmith soon after. The first 6 weeks consists of multiple day sprints using the newest ... -
14. Makers Academy
$$$$
Makers Academy launches coding careers in 12 short weeks via its immersive software developer programs. It utilizes a holistic approach to teaching that includes community, health, and self-direction. Each student is guaranteed a job offer upon graduation. Makers Academy also offers paid, year-long apprenticeships.
PROS - the careers team is super competent, they work really hard to get good companies to come to the careers fair and help motivate you after the course is done. I would say that this proactive careers service is a lot of what justifies the ... -
15. Lambda School
$$$$
Learn coding from a Silicon Valley tech academy through remote classes from the Lambda School. Choose between a 30-week full-time bootcamp or a 12-month part-time course. The school’s deferred tuition model allows students to attend for free, paying nothing back until they’re making at least $50,000 a year.
I accepted an offer! I have officially increased my salary over 3x! It still doesn’t feel real. I used to make 30k a year and now I’ll be making over 100k! I have to say THANK YOU LAMBDA SCHOOL. THANK YOU from the deepest part of my heart. ... -
16. BrainStation
$$$$
Brainstation provides a collaborative, project-based learning experience with training options across the full digital product lifecycle, including data, design, development, marketing, and product. Established in 2012, BrainStation has worked with innovative companies to develop cutting-edge, real-world digital education.
I was intrigued to take this course after attending a Digital Marketing workshop led by the Digital Marketing instructor Sarah Budeja - her knowledge and skills are what really made me feel confident that taking this course would give me skills ... -
17. Tech Talent South
$$$$
Tech Talent South hosts regional part-time and full-time immersion programs. In addition to the curriculum, guest speakers, company tours, and networking events help students get to know the local professional tech scene. TTS offers several payment options, including a 10% upfront payment discount, and two installment plans.
Tech Talent South in New Orleans, LA was a perfect fit for my needs. Other programs in the city were just not an option due to the scheduling demands, and also tuition cost. I was working my regular full time job while attending, so having the ... -
18. Epicodus
$$$$
Epicodus is a full-time, in-person coding bootcamp that provides job search assistance and includes an internship with a tech company. Students enroll for free for the first five weeks and are invited to finish the program if they have sufficient grades and comply with all the guidelines.
I would say that my overall experience there was pretty great. Pair programming can be a struggle, and sometimes it felt like I was banging my head against a wall, but overall I learned a lot from the instruction given. I think the key to success ... -
19. Startup Institute
$$$$
Startup Institute offers a 12-week, immersive program for coding students. Two months of dedicated career support are included, and students are also connected to a comprehensive network of startups and tech companies who hire recent graduates.
Startup Institute was recommended to me by one of my mentors. I had recently relocated to the Boston area after graduating college and knew that I wanted to join the local startup ecosystem, but had no idea how to go about it. What was certain is ... -
20. Tech Elevator
$$$$
Tech Elevator’s full-time immersive bootcamp teaches computer programming and web application security in just 14 weeks. Their intensive career prep includes one-on-one career coaching, networking events, and “matchmaking” with potential employers through their network of 150+ hiring partners.
Tech Elevator changed my life. I was wandering around the web trying to learn how to code through different courses and subscriptions for over a year, while hated being at my 9-5 office job. I knew I needed in-person concrete guidance to start a ... -
21. Fullstack Academy
$$$$
Fullstack Academy is a comprehensive coding bootcamp that helps students become star developers. Courses cover everything from JavaScript basics and building SQL database engines to mobile app development. Their training program helps students get hired by top firms including Amazon, Facebook, and Google.
Fullstack Academy has great instructors and career team that wants you to succeed. The course content is valuable and the career team is always just an email away with help. Highly recommend. -
22. Ubiqum Code Academy
$$$$
Ubiqum Code Academy offers 5-month, full-time bootcamps, and one part-time data analyst course. Payment plans include 10% off if tuition is paid upfront, monthly installments, and a plan that allows you to pay half of the tuition up front and the other half once you’ve been hired.
I took the MERN bootcamp at Ubiqum Barcelona, I had a good experience, one of the most important things in the bootcamp is that you are not going to learn only to code but also to work in a tech company as the bootcamp is oriented to the job ... -
23. Skylab Coders Academy
$$$$
Skylab Coders offers an 11-week programmer course in web and mobile app development. The course includes instruction in Github, HTML, and CSS as well as JavaScript, TDD, and NodeJS.
Yo tenia un buen trabajo de ingeniero electronico, un trabajo estable y seguro. Pero decidí hacer un giro profesional a algo que me motivara más y empecé a buscar formaciones de web development. buscando di con el formato de bootcamp y me pareció ... -
24. DigitalCrafts
$$$$
DigitalCrafts is the top coding bootcamp in Georgia and Texas. Learn full stack JavaScript and Python development from their faculty of seasoned engineers, and build web applications using current technologies and best practices. Students benefit from career guidance and access to their growing network of hiring partners.
As an educator (former Teacher and Middle School Assistant Principal) I was looking for a way to make a greater impact in the lives of students on a larger scale. I sought to acquire a set of skills that would allow me to be creative, engaging, ... -
25. The Software Guild
$$$$
The Software Guild offers a four to six-week introductory course in web development that provides students with the foundations they need to enroll in full-time apprentice bootcamps. After completing the foundational course, students can enroll in the Guild's 12-week Java or .NET/C# tracks.
Before joining The Software Guild, I was a warehouse worker with a 4 year degree I couldn't do much with. I wasn't happy in terms of career and wanted much more. I wanted a rewarding challenge. Joining this apprenticeship was one of the best ... -
26. LearningFuze
$$$$
LearningFuze is the top web development boot camp in Southern California, offering a 12-week full-immersion program on front-end and back-end subjects: JavaScript, PHP, MySQL, HTML, CSS, Git/GitHub and more. A part-time program is also available, along with job-placement support at no additional cost.
Whether you are looking for technical training so you can become a better manager or are hoping to become a world class coder, LearningFuze is a great option. I completed the full immersion program a few weeks ago and feel well equipped to work ... -
27. CareerFoundry
$$$$
CareerFoundry's courses in design and web development are 100% online and self-paced. They are six to ten months in length. Each student receives tutoring from a dedicated mentor, and students are guaranteed job placement within 6 months of graduating, or they will have their tuition refunded.
I would definitely recommend Career Foundry to anyone seeking a new opportunity or finding a way to transition careers. The mentors and tutors are very professional and extremely helpful. The course was great at covering the fundamentals ... -
28. Lighthouse Labs
$$$$
Lighthouse Labs offers full and part-time courses for aspiring software developers at campuses across Canada. Full-time students can choose between bootcamps on web or iOS development. Students can also take intro courses in web development, iOS development and front-end development on a part-time basis.
I had little to no experience in coding prior to joining LHL but graduated with enough knowledge and experience to change the course of my career. I can now write my own full stack applications from scratch and have become more aware of what ... -
29. Code Fellows
$$$$
Code Fellows offers beginner, intermediate and advanced courses in software development, and students can enroll in daytime or evening classes. The school helps students to secure several types of financial assistance, and matches graduating student with positions at leading tech companies and startups.
When I decided to make a career change and after being on the self-taught coding route for a while, Code Fellows came highly recommended by a friend who had gone through the program and had landed herself a new career as a software engineer. I ... -
30. Claim Academy
$$$$
Claim Academy prepares students for careers in full-stack development through bootcamps based on Java or .NET programming languages. Students can enroll in the 12-week program or the 9-week accelerated program. The Academy offers tuition assistance, scholarships, and job placement assistance through its employer network.
This place has been a fantastic experience for me. It is absolutely amazing to me that 12 weeks of hard work can change your life. For those of you thinking about this program, it isn't easy, but as long as you're eager to learn and committed you ... -
31. Neoland
$$$$
Neoland offers full- and part-time courses in UI/UX design, full-stack, data design, and user experience design. Their employment exchange program brings in managers from important companies to hire from their new graduates. Also, there are a number of scholarships available for qualified students.
Cuando leía opiniones sobre como los alumnos de Neoland conseguían trabajo al terminar sus Bootcamps me costaba creerlo, pero como estaba seguro que quería intentarlo me apunté al Full Stack Bootcamp. La verdad es que esos 3 meses fueron muy ... -
32. Galvanize
$$$$
Start your career in web development or data science with the help of a full-time immersive bootcamp at one of Galvanize’s eight U.S. campuses. Graduates join an alumni network of 2000+ that have gone on to work at 1000+ companies. Galvanize also offers select part-time and online courses.
The Galvanize Data Science Immersive program is a great way to advance or pivot your career . Personally, I started with some knowledge of ML, but I was finding that self-learning and taking courses online wasn't quite getting me where I wanted. ... -
33. Wyncode
$$$$
No prior programming experience is necessary for students training at Wyncode. Its 10-week, on-site immersive programs teach budding coders key industry skills. Wyncode helps graduates maneuver through today's job market and works with a comprehensive hiring network to connect them with jobs.
So you're sitting around trying to decide if you should do the Wyncode UX/UI Immersive program. The answer is that you absolutely should. You're probably thinking: Q: Can I really learn enough in 8 weeks to get me started in the industry? A: Yes, ... -
34. devCodeCamp
$$$$
devCodeCamp's immersive programs are designed to take software engineers from beginner to full stack developers in 12 weeks. Students learn full stack development using the C# language. The school offers resume development advice, and helps students prepare for technical interviews.
I am pretty sure many people are skeptical of the bootcamp (or bootcamps in general) like I was myself. Coming into the program I had no coding/developing experience so I honestly wasn't sure if I would be able to do well. I struggled a good bit ... -
35. Dev Mountain
$$$$
Dev Mountain students specialize in web development, UX design, salesforce development, or software QA. The program offers full-time immersive courses during the day, and a part-time night program. Located in Salt Lake City, Provo, Phoenix and Dallas, Dev Mountain offers housing to full-time students at each location.
Good for learning the basics if you know nothing. At the time that I went they were growing fast and so they didn't have the support they should have for the type of school that they are/were. -
36. Coding Temple
$$$$
Coding Temple specializes in .NET/C# and Python — two of the most sought-after bootcamp programs available. They offer a low student-to-teacher ratio, ensuring that you get valuable individualized attention. Students can get hired by top companies worldwide within 90 days of graduation.
If you have no experience in programming and you want to kickstart yourself then this is the place for you. They will begin at a fair pace where you can get yourself familiar with the basic concepts. After the first week or so things will pick up ... -
37. Skillcrush
$$$$
Skillcrush offers 3-month, online master classes known as "blueprints" that prepare students for a variety of roles in the tech industry. Students can take classes individually or choose one of the Skillcrush training packages. The "all-inclusive" package allows access to all the blueprints for nine months.
This is one of the most enlightening experiences that I've had in quite a while. I never dreamed that I would be learning a new skill at this stage of my life path and was initially skeptical about trying the program. Within the first 30 days I ... -
38. RED Academy
$$$$
RED Academy has full-time courses in 12- or 24-week formats and part-time courses that can be taken in 5- or 10-week formats. They also offer work-study courses in 48- and 96-week timeframes. These unique courses allow students to gain hands-on experience with successful companies while working on their studies.
I took the part-time Digital Marketing Foundation course from January - April 2019. Right off the bat, I was very impressed with how organized the course was in terms of the curriculum schedule and access to the course content.RED has a very ... -
39. Code Institute
$$$$
Students enrolled in Code Institute's full stack development bootcamps can take their coursework online or attend the classroom version in Dublin, Ireland. They also offer an online Diploma in Tech Fundamentals, which is designed for individuals interested in software engineering careers or positions as tech project managers.
I recently graduated from the Code Institute Full Stack Diploma in Software Development online mentored Bootcamp, August 2019. In short, it was the best academic choice I have ever made. Coming from a non-tech background, I was quite intimidated, ... -
40. Turing School of Software and Design
$$$$
Turing students choose specializations in front or backend engineering, and then complete either program full-time over seven months. Turing offers scholarships and an in-house payment plan, and recruiters work to match graduates with employers.
TL;DR: Turing is a fantastic choice that is extremely challenging but ultimately very rewarding. Be prepared, don't underestimate anything about the process and you'll be happy with the end result. I consider attending Turing one of the best ... -
41. Founders and Coders
$$$$
Founders and Coders offers a 16-week immersive, full-time coding bootcamp. The program is task-based and peer-led, enabling students to take turns delivering workshops, running code reviews and managing projects centered on JavaScript stack (JavaScript and Node.js) with relational databases, as well as UX design.
Founders and Coders is a coding bootcamp that is the perfect springboard to jump into the world of coding. What sets FAC apart from the other bootcamps is the level of support. Since the prerequisites that need to be completed before applying are ... -
42. Codeworks
$$$$
The goal at Codeworks is simple: Help you become a great software engineer who builds complex apps with an advanced understanding of JavaScript. Their 12-week coding bootcamp is intensive, outcome-oriented and designed to give you the right tools to succeed — from theory to building actual applications.
Summary: Codeworks is an excellent program if you know what you are paying for. Don't expect knowledge to be uploaded to your brain, instead think of it more like a mental "gym" with an intense workout plan, guided by lectures and TAs. If you put ... -
43. Sabio
$$$$
Sabio offers 12-week programs that prepare students for careers as full-stack developers. The school also offers a part-time,10-week training program in digital content production. Students can finance their tuition with loans, veteran benefits, or scholarships.
Not only was the training at Sabio able to help me get my new job as a software engineer, I'm realizing the smooth transition that the Sabio training has provided into my new position. Coming from a digital marketing background, I had some ... -
44. Coder Foundry
$$$$
Coder Foundry offers 12-week immersion courses in full-stack development. During the bootcamp, students build 3 or 4 projects for their portfolios. Coder Foundry also offers job placement assistance to help graduating students find their first developer jobs.
Out of my cohort, 2 people received a job offer and accepted them during class and as of this writing (and completion of the course), 2 more have received and accepted offers, myself included. The course is broken down into 6 total projects, each ... -
45. Launch Academy
$$$$
Launch Academy's three-month, full-stack developer program begins with pre-work and concludes with a career networking day which allows students to display completed projects to potential employers. Launch Academy also offers scholarship assistance for underrepresented students attending its Boston campus.
PRO: curriculum is difficult, fast-paced, relevant, and truly full-stack PRO: cohort and teachers are very nice and collaborative and - pleasant surprise - diverse CON: too few opportunities for one-on-one support CON: too few potential employers ... -
46. Horizons School of Technology
$$$$
Horizons School of Technology offers a three-month engineering boot camp for college students and graduates. Learn to code web and mobile software – and eventually land a top internship or full-time job. Also enjoy exclusive access to their network of mentors from top tech firms worldwide.
I did Horizons two summers ago after my Freshman year. I really had no idea what to expect when I started the program but I knew that I was considering computer science as a major and I wanted to solidify that decision before I realized I had ... -
47. Dev League
$$$$
Dev League is the leading accelerated learning bootcamp for programming and cyber security in Hawaii. They offer JavaScript Prep - a four-week intensive course on coding and front-end web development, as well as a Cyber Prep course which prepares students for their full-time Cyber Security course.
Hello review seeker, I just finished DevLeague a couple weeks ago… be prepared for a long but genuine review of Hawaii’s only coding bootcamp. Let me also preface this review by stating that other than knowing a bit of HTML / CSS, I have ... -
48. V School
$$$$
V School offers online and in-person 12-week programs. In-person students receive free housing and discounted public transit. V School reports a 100% job fulfillment rate, and all job-seeking students have found employment within 30 days of graduating.
You will learn multiple languages. You will struggle until, that ah ha moment happens and when it does click. Magic! The teachers will help you at any moment, your classmates will help. The culture this school exudes is second to none. -
49. SE Factory
$$$$
SE Factory is Lebanon’s leading non-profit coding bootcamp, teaching young computer science graduates the skills they need to become highly employable professional software engineers. SE Factory's registration fee is subsidized, making it accessible for students from various socioeconomic backgrounds.
SE Factory was the main reason i call myself software engineer today. It introduced me to the main concepts that every software engineer should know, what should i avoid and what should i focus on. What's right and what's wrong The best practices ... -
50. Bitmaker General Assembly
$$$$
Bitmaker Labs offers full and part-time courses that train individuals to launch careers in the tech industry. Students can choose between full- and part-time courses. All courses take place on Bitmaker's Toronto campus. Bitmaker Labs also helps to connect students with companies looking for trained tech professionals.
Through my experience at General Assembly (note, when I started, it was still Bitmaker, but in effect, the content was General Assembly approved), I was able to land my first data science role. While the industry is hiring Sr. Data Scientist ...
September 18, 2018
Why Attend a Coding Bootcamp?
If you are looking to gain tech skills or begin a completely new career, a bootcamp education could be the perfect springboard to help achieve your goals. Coding bootcamps are intensive training programs that give students the practical knowledge they need to land a role in software engineering, web development, or mobile development. While most bootcamps are located within the United States, the model is growing in popularity around the world. Bootcamps are typically 3 to 6 months in length, and cost about $10,000 on average.
While bootcamps are certainly less of an investment than a traditional 4-year degree, many students wonder if they can offer a sufficient Return on Investment (ROI). According to SwitchUp's 2018 survey of over 1,500 bootcamp graduates, students saw an average 45.6% salary increase compared to previously held jobs, and 71% of bootcamp alumni acquired a full-time position.
We also found that coding bootcamp alumni enjoy an average $19,485 salary increase after graduating from a program, and 43.65% of respondents reported a substantial salary increase of $10,000 or more. Additionally, half of coding bootcamp graduates were employed within 60 days of finishing a bootcamp program, including over 10% of graduates who were offered a job before their program ended.
Other benefits of coding bootcamps include:
- Flexibility: Many bootcamps offer courses online, as well as self-paced, part-time, and evening classes to work around student schedules.
- Mentorship: Bootcamps frequently include tutoring and support through one-on-one mentorship. This is especially common with online bootcamps.
- Career Advancement: Many bootcamps offer career services such as networking opportunities, job interview prep, hiring sessions, and career coaching after graduation.
- Cost & Length: Bootcamps are typically shorter and less expensive than traditional degree programs.
- Hands-On Education: Compared to many higher education options, bootcamp courses offer more opportunities for hands-on learning. They also give students experience with industry-relevant tools and technology.
- Job Placement: Many of the best bootcamps guarantee job placement upon completion, or boast high job placement rates.
The 10 Best Coding Bootcamps of 2019
SwitchUp's list of the 50 Best Coding Bootcamps is based on thousands of alumni reviews covering curriculum, job support, price range, location, job outcomes, and overall quality. Out of 50 top schools, the following are the 10 highest-rated bootcamps of 2019:
- Le Wagon
- Ironhack
- App Academy
- General Assembly
- Bloc
- Thinkful
- Flatiron School
- HackerYou
- Coding Dojo
- The Tech Academy
Bootcamps have helped thousands of students build coding careers, and our comprehensive guide can help you determine if this model may be the best educational option for you. Below, you'll find answers to frequently asked questions about coding bootcamps, an overview of factors to consider, and checklists to help you prepare for the application process. Read on to learn more, or check out SwitchUp's blog for more resources.
Industry Overview
The first coding bootcamp was introduced in 2011 in response to growing demand for skilled software engineers. Today, the industry has expanded to include hundreds of programs around the world, with many options to accommodate varying budget, length, and curriculum preferences. Bootcamps typically focus less on theory and more heavily on the hard skills necessary for modern software development. Necessary skills can include languages and technologies like Object Oriented Programming, Javascript, Ruby, Github, and APIs.
As the industry matures, more schools are using data from student reviews and reported job outcomes to deliver better value programs. Established schools have now graduated several classes, and they are using student feedback, reviews, and job placement data to improve curriculum and introduce new courses. The result is that the quality of highly-rated bootcamps now rivals many top computer science programs. As a testament to the value and job placement statistics of bootcamps, our survey revealed that 92.97% of coding bootcamp alumni would recommend their program to a friend.
Online Code Bootcamp Predictions for 2019
According to SwitchUp's survey, online coding bootcamps continue to gain popularity, and have become the go-to for individuals who wish to work full-time while completing a program. Those looking to learn in a flexible, convenient environment, while still receiving the same level of mentorship and rigorous training as in-person programs offer, may find online coding schools are best suited for their needs.
Do Companies Hire Coding Bootcamp Graduates?
Many students wonder if a bootcamp can really help them land a software development job, especially when competing against candidates with computer science degrees. It may come as a surprise that, for most employers, a candidate's educational background is typically far less important than their portfolio and demonstrated skill set.
In fact, a recent Indeed survey of over 1,000 HR managers shows that 72% of respondents consider bootcamp grads to be just as prepared and just as likely to perform at a high level as computer science grads.
What's more, bootcamps help students develop skills that are highly valuable and relevant to fast-growing tech companies. In an interview with NexGen technologies, Technical Manager Steve Lute noted that bootcamp students have qualities like time management, ability to work well under pressure, problem solving, quick thinking and a drive to succeed. Kevin Boer, a hiring manager for Leapfrog Online, also notes that the diversity of bootcamp grads has been a game changer for the industry and for Leapfrog's hiring practices.
As Kevin explains, “We recently evolved our hiring practices to have more of a focus on diversity and inclusion. This is partly because the entire industry is evolving and it's the right thing to do. But it's partly because of bootcamps. Bootcamp graduates have over twice the diversity of university Computer Science graduates — that's a great thing for us and the industry.”
How to Know If a Coding Bootcamp Is Right for You
At SwitchUp, we have found that there are a few factors students should consider when determining if a bootcamp is right for them.
Time Commitment: Depending on the structure of the program, a coding bootcamp can require as little as 10 hours per week, or as many as 60 hours or more. Succeeding in a coding bootcamp requires discipline, so students should strongly consider their personal schedule and commitments outside of school before making any decisions. Fortunately, many schools have recognized the need for flexibility, and there are now several bootcamp formats to choose from:
- Full-Time, Immersive Program: This format typically requires 40-60 hours per week and operates as high-intensity, short-term training. It fully immerses students for 3-6 months to ensure job readiness as quickly as possible.
- Part-Time, Immersive Program: This option can be just as rigorous as a full-time immersive program, but classes are held during the evening or on weekends. This type of learning allows students to maintain a full-time job while completing coursework.
- Hybrid Learning Program: Hybrid learning programs allow students to learn partially online and partially in the classroom. Schools like Designation allow students to take preparatory courses remotely and finish with a 12-week, in-person program at their campus in Chicago.
- Part-Time Flex Program: Students can move through this program type at their own pace and according to their unique learning schedules. This type of learning provides the most flexibility for individuals with full-time jobs or family commitments.
Learning Goals: Before committing to a program, it is important to set clear, realistic expectations for both your education and future career. Be sure to take stock of what you wish to gain from the program and your career goals after graduation. We recommend that you prepare in the following ways:
- Make sure there is a solid job market for the career you want. Demand for different types of coding jobs can vary by region, so it's important to ensure that opportunities are available in the city where you'll be job searching after graduation.
- Take an online preparatory course before committing to an immersive program. This will help you make sure that coding is the best career fit for you.
- Understand the mission of different bootcamps and make sure their goals are aligned with yours. Some bootcamps are focused more on job placement, while others focus on helping students develop advanced skills for an existing career.
- Carefully review the curriculum for your potential coding bootcamp. If there is a particular coding language that you are interested in mastering, make sure it is a core focus of your intended program. If you have questions, reach out to a career advisor to discuss your goals.
- Consider the program's student-to-teacher ratio. Bootcamps are very fast-paced, and it is key to have the right amount of support, mentorship, and accountability from instructors. Many students have found that coding schools with large, lecture-style classes sometimes do not provide the right level of individualized support. If you think this might be an issue, reach out to your program to learn more about class sizes and the number of staff who will be available.
Choosing The Best Bootcamp For You
The coding bootcamp industry offers many choices, and it can feel difficult to hone in on your top priorities. To help cover all your bases, we've compiled a series of checklists that can help you research bootcamps and identify the best options.
Still not sure how to choose the best program for you? Check out SwitchUp's Matching Tool! We'll match you with a top-rated bootcamp based on your criteria.
Remember, a school's success is measured by the success of its students. Your coding bootcamp's top priority should be to help you master the basics, learn essential problem solving skills, and, ultimately, land your dream career in tech.
